ACECQA’s seventh NQF annual performance report shows sustained year on year improvements in service quality

Today the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) released its seventh Annual Performance Report on the National Quality Framework (NQF). The report finds that 89% of children’s education and care services are rated Meeting National Quality Standard (NQS) or above as at 30 June 2023, up from 62% nine years ago, 73% six years ago and 81% three years ago.

“The high proportion of services rated Meeting or Exceeding the NQS reflects the consistent efforts of service providers, teachers and educators to improve their programs and practice for the benefit of children and their families,” said ACECQA CEO Gabrielle Sinclair.

The 2023 NQF Annual Performance Report focuses on children’s health and safety, educational program and practice, children from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds, workforce, and families’ understanding of quality. This year’s report shows that the NQF’s aim for continuous quality improvement is being realised across all seven quality areas of the NQS.

There are around 17,300 services NQF approved education and care services in Australia. These services include long day care, outside school hours care and family day care services, as well as most preschools and kindergartens. Parents and carers using approved services can be assured by the high quality standards and detailed legislated requirements set by the NQF for all service providers.